But now my sorrow hath oppressed me, and all my limbs are brought to nothing.
וַֽ֭תִּקְמְטֵנִי לְעֵ֣ד הָיָ֑ה וַיָּ֥קָם בִּ֥י כַ֝חֲשִׁ֗י בְּפָנַ֥י יַעֲנֶֽה׃
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Your words deeply anguish me as you attempt to portray me as a deceiver before God, whose fury and animosities are directed towards me. While I mourn the devastation of my children and livestock, I am also struck by physical suffering. I held my tongue in silence, yet He has delivered to me dire and distressing news.
My wrinkles bear witness against me, as stated in Job 16:8. What are these 'wrinkles' if not a symbol of double-mindedness? They reflect the inner turmoil of the Holy Church, where individuals often live in contradiction—professing their faith verbally while disavowing it through their actions. In peaceful times, when faith seems esteemed by the powerful, such individuals inaccurately portray themselves as members of the faithful. However, when adversity suddenly strikes the Holy Church, their true nature is revealed, as they follow the path of disbelief in their hearts. Yet these 'wrinkles' do not afflict the elect of the Holy Church, who outwardly show one face while harboring a different reality within.
Hence, the great preacher rightly affirms: He presented her to Himself a glorious Church, having no spot, or blemish (Eph. 5:27). The Church remains without 'stain or blemish' because she is untainted by wicked deeds or deceitful speech. Moreover, while she may currently harbor even those destined for destruction within her faith community, in times of persecution, those very individuals emerge as adversaries, despite once appearing to be nurtured by her preaching. Therefore, she might lament, My wrinkles bear witness against me; the very individuals who will later persecute her are presently within her fold, often unaware of the treachery they harbor. Thus, it is rightly added, And the liar rises up against my face, reproaching me (Job 16:8). Within the Church, even amid peace, there exists a 'liar'—those who outwardly profess belief yet lack faith in the promises of eternal life. While they shy away from outright denying her teachings, they become adversaries behind her back; but when iniquity erupts, those who are covertly defiant will openly oppose the true faith. It is important to recognize that when we encounter hostility from carnal individuals, it is not they who are fervently pursuing our demise, but rather the evil spirit that influences their minds, as Paul explains: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against powers, against the world forces of this darkness, Eph. 6:12. Thus, while he refers to the liar, he also clearly indicates the true source of this deception.
Just as Eliphaz expressed frustration that Job refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing related to his afflictions, Job, in turn, passionately disputes the unfounded doubts of his companions, demonstrating that they cannot grasp his rationale because they lack understanding and have not endured his tribulations. As he articulates his pain, Job attributes his suffering to the Lord but maintains his innocence, calling upon the earth, to which he will soon return, and God, who sees all, as witnesses to his righteousness.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS